White Plains Mayor voted out, former city clerk under investigation

WHITE PLAINS, Ky. (WFIE) - In Hopkins County, the mayor of White Plains has been voted out.

Officials say the city commission voted three to zero to remove Mayor Josh Slaton from office.

Kentucky State Police confirm there is an investigation involving White Plains. They tell us they are waiting on results from a forensic audit.

City officials tell us the KSP investigation involves the former city clerk, who has resigned.

KSP officials say the investigation is into Slaton’s administration.

City officials tell us it has to do with a misappropriation of funds.

They say the mayor was voted out because it happened under his watch.

According to Kentucky law, a city mayor can be voted out of office by unanimous vote “if in case of misconduct, inability, or willful neglect in the performance of the duties of his or her office.”

KSP did not advise how long the audit will take, or if they are anticipating any criminal charges to come from the investigation.

City officials say the former clerk in question resigned her position not too long ago.

They say commissioner Benjamin Almon will be the pro-tem mayor.

The mayor is able to appeal the decision in court, and we are reaching out to Hopkins County officials to see if that has been done.

City officials say when the results of the forensic audit are finished, they’ll be holding a public hearing to share the findings of it.

Slaton was first elected mayor in 2014.

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